How to Prepare Your AC for Summer

When the Arizona heat rolls in, you want an air conditioner that works reliably and efficiently. Waking up to a hot home or realizing your AC is cooling inconsistently is a stressful experience.

Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to take control of the summer with some basic Tucson and Mesa air conditioning maintenance and preventative care.

The Tucson air conditioning and Mesa air conditioning experts at Western Home Services are here to keep your home cool and comfortable. Give us a call anytime for air conditioning maintenance in Tucson and Mesa, or AC repair and AC installation.

In the meantime, we put together some of our pro tips on preparing your AC for summer!

1) Check Your Outside AC Unit

Doing an inspection of your outside AC unit is an important part of maintaining your air conditioner. First, turn off the circuit breaker in your HVAC or air conditioner. Remove any debris, sticks, or other obstructions from around the unit. You can also hose down your AC to further remove pollutants, dirt, dust, and pollen. While you’re outside, do a visual inspection and look for any damage to the unit or wires.

2) Clean Your Inside Unit

Now that the inside unit is taken care of, go ahead and clean up your inside unit. If you’re comfortable, you can clean the evaporator coil by taking off the access panel. It’s usually located inside your air handler. If the coils are coated with dirt, you can vacuum them with a soft brush attachment. Cleaning them off with a mild detergent and water solution can also help.

3) Change Your AC Filter

Air filters can get dirty over time, even if you haven’t been running your unit very much. The results are a home that cools inconsistently or doesn’t run efficiently. Your filters usually need to be changed every 90 days or less. If you have allergies or live in an older home with less efficient ventilation, changing your filters about once a month will help.

4) Check Your Air Vents

Cleaning up your vent covers can also get your air conditioner ready for summer. Some people remove the vent covers and wash them by hand. But you can also scrub them lightly with a soft-bristled brush and warm, soapy water. It’s also a good idea to use a vacuum with a small bristle extension to get into the crevices and take care of any loose particles.

5) Run an AC Test

Lower your thermostat settings low enough to give your AC a test run. If the unit kicks on within a few minutes and starts cooling your home, you should be all set. If you notice the temperature isn’t dropping, give the team at Western States Home Services a call to check on your system.

6) Listen for Odd Noises

When your air conditioner is running, listen for any strange noises. A few stray noises the first time you start up your AC is usually okay. But any buzzing, popping, grinding, or alarming noises should be looked at right away by a professional.

7) Check Your Thermostat

Check on your thermostat and ensure it’s working efficiently and programmed correctly. If the batteries haven’t been changed recently, put in a fresh set for the season. You should also check the settings and reprogram it as needed. Remember to double-check that you’ve set the p.m. and a.m. settings correctly.

8) Schedule Your Air Conditioning Maintenance

Even with a good air conditioning maintenance routine, you still need help from the experts. The team at Western States Home Services can test your unit, change your filters, clean up anything going on inside your unit, and look for any issues. If there’s a problem, good air conditioning maintenance can help stay ahead of repairs and avoid an emergency.

Schedule Your Tucson or Mesa AC Maintenance Today!

Ready to schedule your Tucson or Mesa AC maintenance? Call Western States Home Services, your local air conditioning experts in Mesa, AZ, and Tucson, AZ. We’ll make sure your air conditioning is ready to cool down your home during those hot Arizona days. Schedule your next AC service appointment today!

Call us today to schedule your next AC maintenance service and enjoy peace of mind knowing your system is in expert hands!